#funeral of Katherine Parr

[tudorqueen6]

7 September 1548: THE FUNERAL of the Dowager Queen

Evesham Journal 7 September 1548: THE FUNERAL of the Dowager Queen Katherine Parr. It was the first Protestant funeral held in English. Her chief mourner was Lady Jane Grey. She was buried in St Mary’s Chapel on the grounds of Sudeley Castle, Gloucestershire, England. ‘A Breviate of the Internment of the lady Katherine Parr, Queen Dowager, late wife to King Henry VIII, and after, wife to Sir…

[thedudleywomen]

On This Day (05 Sep) in 1548, Katherine Parr died at Sudeley Castle, a week after giving birth to her only daughter Mary.

The pregnancy had been a difficult one for Katherine, being an older first-time mother, as well as the recent scandal involving her husband Thomas Seymour and step-daughter Lady Elizabeth. Katherine developed puerperal fever soon after the birth, presenting as agitated and paranoid towards her husband, before succumbing to the infection. Katherine was buried at St Mary's Church, Sudeley on 07 Sep 1548, in what was believed to be the first funeral of a royal performed in English, and reflecting her religious Reformist beliefs. Thomas Seymour's ward, Lady Jane Grey, was the chief mourner.

Over the years Katherine's coffin was opened many times, which significantly damaged her bones. In 1863, on the restoration of the chapel, a marble tomb effigy was erected, and Katherine's coffin was finally reburied. Following the death of Katherine, Thomas Seymour sent Mary away from Sudeley; she was initially taken into the care of his family, including his brother Edward Seymour, Lord Protector at Syon House, before being moved to Grimsthorpe Castle, Lincolnshire, under the guardianship of Katherine's old friend, Katherine Willoughby, Dowager Duchess of Suffolk. Mary disappeared from records in 1550, presumed deceased.

[queerbauten]

Henry VIII: Would you ladies be there for me if I were going through something?

Catherine of Aragon: No. Absolutely not.

Anne Boleyn: I hope it sucks, whatever you're going through.

Jane Seymour: I hope it emotionally scars you for the rest of your life.

Anna von Kleve: I hope you reach out to me, so I can ignore you.

Katherine Howard: [doubled over laughing]

Catherine Parr: I can’t wait to go to you funeral, knowing that I could have changed that outcome.

[aesthetic-solar-space]

Queen/Lady Jane Grey (The Queen for Nine Days)

Lady Jane Grey, later known as Lady Jane Dudley after her marriage and then she was known as the "Nine Days Queen". She was an english noblewoman who claimed the throne of England and Ireland from July 10 - July 19 1553.

She was the great granddaughter of Henry VII through his younger daughter Mary, making her first cousin once removed of Edward VI (Henry's son and successor)

She has an excellent humanist education, and a reputation as one of the most learned women of her day. She was married in May 1553 to Lord Guildford Dudley, a younger son of Edward's chief minister.

June 1553, Edward VI wrote his will nominating Jane and her male heris as successors to the crown upon his death, this was in part do to religion that differed between himself and his half sister Mary Tudor who was supposed to succeed him according to Henry VIII's will. This change would not only remove his half sister Mary but also his half sister Elizabeth Tudor from the line of sucession on account of their illegitimacy.

After Edwards death, Jane was proclaimed queen on July 10th 1553 and awaited her coronation in the Tower of London. Support for Mary quickly grew while most of Jane's supporters abandoned her - including the English government. The privy council proclaimed Mary Tudor as Queen on July 19th 1553, deposing Jane.

Her prime supporter and Edwards old chied minister (Jane's father in law) was accused of treason and executed less than a month later.

Jans on the otherhand was held prisoner in the Tower of London and was convicted of high treason in November 1553 - a death sentence in of its own.

Mary initially spared her life. However Jane soon became viewed as a threat to the crown when her father, Henry Grey became involved with the Wyatt's rebellion against Queen Mary's intention to marry Philip of Spain.

Jane and her husband were executed on February 12th 1554, at the time of her death Jane was only either 16 or 17 years old.

Jane was the eldest daughter of Henry Grey, 1st Duke of Suffolk with his wife Frances Brandon. No one knows exactly when she was born though there are many theories; October of '37, May of '37, May of '36, or February of '37.

Jane's mother was the eldest daughter of Henry the eighths younger sister, Mary. Jane also had two younger sisters; Lady Katherine and Lady Mary Grey.

She spoke Latin and Greek from an early age, she also studied Hebrew and Italian as well. She was a commited protestant.

She much preferred academic studies as apposed to activities such as hunting parties. She may even have believed her strict upbringing, something very common at the time, to have been too harsh.

Around February 1547, Jane was sent to live in je household of Edward VI’s uncle, Thomas Seymour, who was soon to be married to Catherine Parr. Henry VIII’s widow.

She was an attendant to Catherine up until her death during childbirth in September of 1548. She was close to Catherine and was even involved in her funeral

When Thomas Seymour was convicted of treason, Jane proceeded to return home and continue her studies.

Throughout her life she had a few engagement talks but nothing was made of them until May 25th 1553. That same day the couple was married at Durham House in a triple wedding. The wedding of on of each of the couples sisters was also happening.

The third succession act of 1544 restored Henry VIIIs daughters to the line of succession although they were still regarded illegitimate. This act also gave Henry the ability to alter the line of succession through his will. It reinforced the succession of his three children and declared should none of them leave descendants the throne was to be passed to heirs of his younger sister, this included Jane.

For unknown reasons when making the succession, Henry excluded Jane's mother as well as the claims of his own older sister.

During Henry's reign both of his daughters had been named illegitament when his marriages to their mothers were declared void.

15 year old Edward VI lay dying in the summer of 1553, with Mary still as his pressumed heir. Edward however in a draft will ("my devise for the succession") which was composed in early 1553, had first restricted the succession to (non-extistant) male descendants of Frances Brandon and her daughters, before he named his protestant cousin. "Lady Jane and her male heirs" as his successors.

Probably in June 1553 the intent was to ensure his protestant legacy - removing Mary who was a devoted Roman Catholic

Edward personally supervised the copying of his will which was issued on June 21st and signed by 102 notables. He also announced to have his "declaration" passed in parliament in September.

The King died on July 6th 1553, however his death was not announced for four days. On the 9th, Jane was informed she was now queen - claiming to accept the crown only with reluctance.

The 10th, she was officially proclaimed Queen of England, France, and Ireland. After she had taken up a secured residence within the Tower of London (usually where monarchs lived from time of accession until coronation). Jane refused to name her husband as king, since it would require an Act of Parliment.

A goal of many at this time was to isollate and attempt to capture Mary Tudor to stop her from gaining any further support.

When Mary was sure of the demise of her half brother, she left her residence at Hunsdon and set eyes for East Anglia where she began to rally her support.

Jane is often labelled the Nine Days Queen, although her technically reign goes from Edwards true death on the 6th - making it a few days longer. July 19th Jane is imprisoned in the Tower's gentlemen gaoler's apartments while her husband was in the Beauchamp Tower.

September parliament declared Mary the rightful successor and denounced and revoked Jane's proclaimation as that of a usuper.

Jane was charged with high treason as were her husband, two of his brothers, the former archbishop of Canterbury, and Thomas Crammer.

Trial by special commission took place in November 13th 1553, as to be expected all defendants were found guilty and sentenced to death. Jane's guilt of having treacherously assumed the title and power of a monarch, with evidence of a number of documents she signed as "Jane the Quene".

Her sentence was to "be burned alive on Tower Hill or beheaded as the Queen pleases."

Burning was traditional english punishment for treason when it was committed by a woman.

The imperial ambassador reported to Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, that her life was ro be spared by Queen Mary.

Wyatt's rebellion in January 1554 against Queen Mary's marriage plans with Philip of Spain however sealed Jane's fate in a different way. Her father, Henry Grey and his two brothers joined the rebellion, and so the government and Queen Mary decided to go through with there verdict for Jane ans her husband.

Their executions were first seceduled for February 9th 1554 but was postponed for three days to give Jane a chance to convert to the Catholic faith.

On the morning of February 12 1554 they took Guildford from his rooms within the Tower of London to the public execution place on Tower Hill where he was then beheaded. his remains were brought back to the tower past Jane's rooms, she was then taken out to Tower Green inside the Tower to be beheaded.

She made a speech as she ascended the scaffold, the resighted Psalm 51 (have mercy upon me, o god). She handed her gloves and handkerchief to her maids. The executioner asked her for forgiveness which she granted. she then blindforlded herself. She failed to find the block by hand and cried out, once helped with her head upon the block Jane spoke her last words.

"Lord into thy hands i commend my spirit." the axe then fell beheading the young girl in one clean stroke.

Jane and her husband were buried in the Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula on the north side of the tower green. No memorial stone was erected at their grave.

Jane's father was executed 11 days after Jane on the 23rd of February 1554.

Her mother, Duchess of Suffolk married her Master of Horse and Chamberlain - Adrian Stokes in March of 1555. She was fully pardoned by Queen Mary and allowed to live at court with her two surviving daughters. She died in 1559.

During Mary's reign Jane became viewed as a protestant martyr for centuries to come.

[telekinetic-electronica]

learning on how a lot of ppl who studied/study the tudor family are just... weird. some of y’all treat these irl like fictional characters and it shows.

like bro, these were real people. yes, a lot of them had good traits, bad traits, and did some nasty things. but they were monarchs in the 1500′s dude, what tf do you expect??

but some of y’all forget that henry treated these women basically like “produce me an heir” machines rather than ppl. he liked certain things about them, sure, but he didn’t love these women. if he loved these women, he wouldn’t have kept katherine of aragon and mary i away from each other. he wouldn’t have them not be able to talk to each other. bro, he would not let his grief stricken daughter GO TO HER OWN MOTHER’S FUNERAL. he also wouldn’t have put so much damn pressure on mary i to basically disgrace herself, and treat her like shit and traumatized her.

he also wouldn’t have accuse anne boleyn a bunch of shit, INCLUDING INCEST WITH HER BROTHER, ALL BECAUSE SHE DIDN’T HAVE A SON. bro, elizabeth i was a goddamn 3 yr old and was disgraced.

he only hung around jane seymour to get a fucking son. which he did, but ended up killing jane in the process. was a total dick to anne of cleves until she like went with what HE WANTED.

do not get me started on k howard. and as much as i don’t like parr, parr was basically his nurse.

why y’all go after these women when y’all should be directing that hatred towards henry 

besides that, pls don’t treat these REAL people like fictional characters. it’s good to humanize them and not look at things through a modern license. but, again, these a real people. don’t pull some real person fiction shit.

[letsgoravendors]

Cathy *after Henry died*: We are here to celebra— I mean mourn the death of King Henry VIII.

Cathy: His death is a tragedy -cause he lived way too fucking long

Cathy: And he will be missed -by no one

[mega-knight-of-breath]

Kitty censor

Anne, practicing her lines: Catherine~

Cathy, Catalina and Kat, hearing their name: ?

Anne: Was a MASSIVE-

Kat, sliding in front of her and covering her mouth: Catholic!

Kat: *looks around frantically for...something*

Jane, appearing right behind her: Nice save!

Kat: AH!

[reginakhoward]

Ex-Wives Solos:

I feel like we don’t talk enough about how the little solos each queen has sets up the sexist stereotype they are shoved into by society and then how they are broken down in their song.

“If you try to dump me, you won’t try that again” For Catherine of Aragon, it’s the petty, angry ex-wife. It reminds me of a crazy ex-girlfriend trope where the ex is basically painted as evil for trying to get revenge on her poor, nice guy ex. Then, in No Way, “Please tell me what you think I’ve done wrong... You’ve got nothing to say” totally flips the script, the audience realizes that it’s Henry that is the crazy one, trying to find all these ways to get rid of her be it sending her to a nunnery or saying she’s cursed with infertility. No Way shows us that Aragon not only has a right to be angry, but also that she has been biting her tongue this whole time to what Henry has been doing to her, in a show of restraint and strength.

“Why did I lose my head? Well, my sleeves may be green, but my lipstick’s red” makes it seem like Boleyn is using her sexuality as a weapon. Anne has been characterized this way in much of history, she is the classic “Other Woman”, the whore with “the plan to steal the man”. In DLUH, we see a different side of Anne, one where she seems a lot less calculating, more helpless and clueless. Superficially, this throws her into yet another stereotype, of the “Dumb Blonde”, so to speak. Looking deeper into the lyrics, however, a lot more is revealed. The people making many of the decisions are the men in her life. Her father tells her to get ahead. Henry pursues the relationship, breaks things off with the church, and cheats on her. Anne is subject to the environment she has been thrown into, reacting to things instead of acting a lot of the time. She “didn’t mean to hurt anyone” (although she does make many decisions that do hurt people), but pays the price of Henry’s insanity.

“Jane Seymour, the only one he truly loved” would make Seymour the “Perfect Wife”. She’s doting, she’s dutiful, in the picture perfect relationship. She has the perfect husband, she has the heir to the throne, even in death, she has the queen’s funeral (the only one out of six to receive it), and buried beside her love once he passes. However, in Heart of Stone, we see that not everything was as easy as it seemed. “You can tear me down”, “I’ll stand the test”, and the other descriptions of turmoil show that Henry was not as good to her as we’d like to believe. Although perhaps, in his own fucked up way, he did love her, he did not treat her well. Many like to say that Seymour was not abused and shouldn’t win the “competition” because she didn’t have to deal with much from him, but reading between the lines shows that she dealt with his abuses in silence. She was not weak, but she wanted so desperately to make it with him and Edward, that she stuck it through until her untimely end.

“But I didn’t look as good as I did in my pic” implies that Anna of Cleves A. believes that and B. accepts it, which is a stark contrasting point in Get Down. From the beginning of Get Down she paints the picture that while, yes, what happened to her is awful, she did not lie down and accept what Henry decided was to happen for her. She used what happened and made her life amazing, far more wonderful than it would’ve been if Henry was still involved in her life. Although historically this could be far from the truth, Six Cleves is one bad bitch flipping that rejection and making it a victory.

“Lock up your husbands, lock up your son, KHoward is here and the fun’s begun” is one of the most apparent flips once we get to AYWD. It’s carried through the song, as at first Katherine is “wanting” (don’t get me started on the statutory rape here) her encounters, but then we quickly learn the truth. She leads us to believe, like Henry believed, that she was a promiscuous woman not worthy of the throne, until we realize she was only a girl who was taken advantage of. Her stereotype is a very well-known and believed one as much as Anne Boleyn’s, so it’s refreshing and heartening to see the musical portray it in a different way for the KHoward character, and I’m so glad they did it this way.

“I’m the final wife…. I’m the survivor” For Catherine Parr, all she mentions in her intro is that she was the final wife, the one who survived, and other things to do with her being Henry’s 6th wife, or one of the Six. When we get to IDNYL, we are introduced to Catherine as a person, the things she did, the people she affected, outside of Henry. We are shown HER real story, not reliant on anyone else. Parr sets us up to believe that she was merely one of Six in order to make the reveal of her breaking off/having agency even more impactful. She went from one dimensional to 3D this way, which I think was a really cool way to segway into giving all the queens agency in the last part of the show.

Overall, I think it’s a really cool device that was used through the show, because of how rooted it is in our perceptions. Most people have a preconceived notion of these queens from their real lives and our understandings (or lack thereof) of what happened to them. For Six to break those really emphasizes how they are telling their own stories, “taking back the microphone”, and freeing themselves from abuse, which is always a story the world needs to hear. 💕

[blackdiamondwrites127]

Lost Stars in the Night

Hi guys! So this epilogue took longer than I planned. First was that I accidentally deleted my progress and had to start all over again so that was annoying. Next was my work started to become a bit hectic thus losing my free time to write. And lastly, my grandfather died last week. The funeral was yesterday and oddly enough, after the funeral, something pushed me to really finish this epilogue. So here it is. The last piece to my most recent writing project. Thank you again for reading this! I truly appreciate each and every feedback given.

The following characters belong to:

Isabella I of Castile, Ferdinand II of Aragon, and Juan Trastámara: @weirdbutdecentart

Isabella Trastámara: @lexartsstuff

Marion Trastámara and Elizabeth 'Liz' Seymour: @vanessaseymour

Juana 'la loca' de Castile: @ellielovesdrawing

Maria Trastámara, Maria of Jülich-Berg, and Sibylle of Cleves: Yours truly

.

Characters (Description and characters change with each chapter): 

Catalina Trastámara - Age twenty nine years old. She's the captain of the expedition team six whose goal is to scout areas to see if they are suitable for expansion. Her years-long goal has been to locate her father's main office to find answers about the vaccine he had given her when she was just a toddler. She wanted to find the formula so they can replicate it and distribute it to the survivors. She's currently in a relationship with Jane Seymour and has three children from a previous relationship.

Anne Boleyn - Age twenty seven years old. Her family came to Campamento Zaragoza when she was ten and has stayed there since. She's the vice captain of the exhibition team six though she often takes charge alongside Catalina rather than taking charge when Catalina is absent. The two had a rocky start given that Anne was the woman Catalina's ex cheated on her with but the two eventually became close friends. Often bonding over their useless ex. She's currently in a relationship with Catherine Parr and has a daughter from a previously mentioned ex.

Jane Seymour - Age twenty six years old. She's a member of the expedition team six. She's mostly the voice of reason of the group and somewhat of a mother hen. Always fussing over her teammates to make sure they're okay. She and her older sister, Liz, have been living in Campamento Zaragoza since most of her life. She's currently in a relationship with Catalina Trastámara and has one son from the same ex Catalina and Anne shared.

Anna La Marck - Age twenty six years old. She's a member of the expedition team six. Often referred to as the 'muscle' of the group, she's usually the one taking action first when it comes to conflicts the team encounters. She was born in the early months of Campamento Zaragoza's life span and has lived there since then. She's currently in a relationship with Katherine Howard, having been best friends for years as they grew up together. 

Katherine Howard - Age twenty five years old. She's a member of the expedition team six. She's the youngest member of the team and is their go to mechanic when they have vehicular troubles. Just like Anna, she was born in Campamento Zaragoza and she's currently in a relationship with Anna La Marck, having been best friends for years as they grew up together.

Catherine Parr - Age twenty seven years old. She's a member of the expedition team six. Considered as the informant of the group. She's usually the one going head first into research when they need information on something. She has one daughter from a previous relationship and i's currently in a relationship with Anne Boleyn.

Isabella Trastámara - Age forty four years old. She is the acting head of the camp alongside her wife. She took up a leadership position after her mother and she's been running the camp ever since. She followed in her mother's plan of land expansion and was quite successful over the years with the camp expanding as far as Girona and they added fishing to their agriculture sector. She and her wife, Liz, adopted a baby boy when his mother died giving birth to him.

Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Seymour - Age forty four years old. She is the acting head of the camp alongside her wife. She retired from her captain position after many years but she still represents the expedition and patrol sector as its head. She and her wife, Bella, adopted a baby boy when his mother died giving birth to him.

Juan Trastámara - Age thirty six years old. Married to Margaret Habsburg and they have a little three year old girl they named Isabela after his departed grandmother. He's working in the armory division designing and creating wearable protection that the border patrollers and security division wear.

Juana Trastámara - Age thirty five years old. She was married to Margaret's older brother, Philip, who abused her for years until he was killed in battle. Their marriage resulted in six children that she fiercely protects with her life. She's currently in a relationship with a woman named Harley Harmony. She's a member of the security team and often patrols the streets with her team.

Maria Trastámara - Age thirty two years old. She's currently in a relationship with their long time partner, Gabriel Cursae. Her knack for mathematics got her the position of head of the inventory division and is responsible for keeping track of the camp's main inventory numbers.

Marion Trastámara - Age thirty two years old. He's currently in a relationship with William La Marck, Mari and Johann's third child and only son. They work as Campamento Zaragoza's only tattoo artist. His most common customers are those from the fighting sector and their most commonly commissioned pieces are portraits and names of departed loved ones. His proudest work is the Trastámara family crest that they tattooed on himself and their siblings.

Jocasta ‘Joyce’ Howard - Age fifty five years old. She's Kat's mother and she works at the hospital as a midwife alongside Mari, who's a nurse in the maternity ward. She's kept her daughter in the dark when it comes to her life before the End.

Sibylle La Marck - Aged twenty eight years old. She's engaged to Katherine James, who now runs the nursery. She's a member of the security team and often patrols the main gates with her squad.

Katherine James - Aged twenty six years old. She's currently engaged to Sibylle La Marck and she's a caretaker at the nursery after inheriting it from her mothers. Despite being and actual Tudor, she kept the last name, James, since she was raised by both her adopted mothers.

Henry 'Hal' Trastámara-Tudor - Age ten years old. He's Catalina and Henry Tudor's oldest son. He was named after his own father but looks more like his mother. He started despising his name after his father hurt and cheated on his mother so he prefers going by his nickname. He replaced his father by becoming his sisters' male role model.

Mary Trastámara-Tudor - Age seven years old. Catalina and Henry's second child. She's what you call a 'daddy's girl' but that label suddenly became useless after her father left them. She was still hoping her parents would get back together but stopped when her mother introduced Jane to them and she's stopped looking for her father since. Perfectly content with having Jane as a second mother.

Lillia Trastámara-Tudor - Age three years old. Catalina and Henry's youngest child together. She's her father's 'least favored' child due to her physical defects. She was born blind in one eye and her right hand didn't develop fully. Henry blamed Catalina for birthing a child with defects and unfortunately, little Lillia heard those arguments between her parents and blamed herself for them eventually splitting.

(Before you proceed, be warned that the story contains graphic descriptions of violence, blood, gore, death. Please proceed with caution)

------------------------------------------------

Epilogue

Catalina cries out when the nurse inserted the needle in her arm. Fernando held his youngest steady so she wouldn't squirm and injure herself with the needle. The nurse praised the toddler for being good after she had pulled out the needle and put a cartoon band aid, the tot had chosen prior to the shot, over the injured area.

"I'll submit the report to the department head. I'll also schedule the second dose six months in advance for you. Gracias for coming here, señor," the nurse said and left the room.

"Look at you, pequeña! You're quite brave," her father praised. Handing her precious Pancho back to her. She immediately took the plush monkey and hugged it close for comfort.

"Papa. It hurt," she whines. Gently rubbing the arm that received the shot.

"I know, pequeña, but you were brave and I'm proud of you for being a brave girl," Fernando reassured. Kissing his daughter's forehead.

Catalina pouts and pushes him away. She jumped off his lap and marched to the corner. She sits down on the cold tile floor, crosses her arms over her chest, and glaring at her father. Fernando knew that she was displeased with him. Luckily, he knew just the offering to get back to her good graces. But first, he must test the waters.

"Catalina."

The toddler lets out a 'humph' and looks away. 

"Catalina, mi pequeña preciosa."

"Humph!" 

Time for bribery then.

"Would you like to go to the ice cream shop for your favorite mango ice cream?" Fernando offered. He smiled when the toddler slowly turned to look at him.

"Mango ice cream?" she asked with a tone of hope in her voice.

Her father smiled and nodded. "Mango ice cream," he confirmed.

Catalina grins wide and stands up from the floor. She runs over to her father and tackles him in a hug.

"Ice cream!" she excitedly said.

Fernando chuckled and lifted his pequeña Catalina up in his arms. 

"Let's go get some ice cream but don't tell mamá where we went, okay? It's our secret," he reminded.

The toddler nodded and hugged her father's neck as they exited the room.

.

Name: Catalina Trastámara

Age: 3 years old

Sex: Female

Height: N/A

Weight: N/A

Blood Pressure: N/A

Consent from subject's guardian: Approved

Vaccine dosage: N/A

Vaccine side effects: none so far

Vaccine effectiveness: Yet to be determined though the subject has shown immunity to the virus when exposed to a very small dosage of it.

Examiner's Note: The subject's immunity seems to have developed significantly after being given the latest vaccine. It's not perfect but it's better than the last one which was given to the subject's older siblings. Further examination needed.

Catalina shuffled the papers. Rereading everything again. She's known for years that her father had her and her siblings vaccinated against the virus that brought over the End but only her records were left in the laboratory. She couldn't find anything about her older siblings.

The letter her father penned to her stated that the vaccine given to her was the updated one and far more effective but she wasn't sure of that and she's not willing to get herself bitten by an Infected to find out.

Sure the numbers had dwindled significantly over the years but it's better to be on the cautious side.

"Lina, we found more in the other room." 

Catalina puts the papers back in the folder where she found them and safely put them away in her backpack. One of her teammates and vice captain, Anne Boleyn, walked over to her and handed her more papers. Catalina quickly skims them over. Then she noticed something about them.

"These are…these are documents for developing the vaccine," she said. Quite surprised that they've found it already.

"Yep. It states the components and process needed to make the vaccine," Anne said. A smile on her lips.

Catalina couldn't help but get emotional. After years of searching for her father's headquarters, they finally found the very thing that can make the world right again. 

The world can finally heal and humanity can start over again.

"This is exactly what we came here for and we've got it. Let's head back and give this to Bella," she said. Putting it in a secure folder and tucking it in her backpack. Her old friend, Pancho, strapped snuggly to it.

"I'll gather the others so we can leave. Let's meet up outside," Anne said and left to go find the others. 

Catalina decided to do a bit more investigating. She exits the lab and makes the long trip up the flight of stairs. She wanted to see her father's office. To see if she could still remember what it looked like the last time she's been there. She finally reached the executive floor and she had to catch her breath for a minute after climbing up several flights. 

"Really wish the elevators were working," she mutters to herself before exiting the fire escape and entering the floor. 

It wasn't hard to locate Fernando's office. It was easily the one with the large double doors bearing the Trastámara family crest. 

"Bella did say that papá was always extra."

She pushed the old door open and inside was a time capsule. Except for the thick layer of dust, and a bit of decay, everything was exactly the same. As if her father hadn't died at all. Catalina enters the office and looks around. She remembers visiting this office with her mother and older siblings. She remembers playing on the carpet with her beloved Pancho and sitting on her father's lap while he worked. Letting her press the enter key or the space bar from time to time.

Catalina walked over to the executive desk and used a discarded paper to wipe off the layer of dust. She traced the wood until she felt the small, barely visible carvings on the wooden surface. She smiles to herself as the memory of her swiping her father's keys and using them to carve out her name on the wooden desk. Fernando scolded her for damaging his very expensive desk but he never did replace it. 

"I think he would've framed it if he had the chance," Catalina said to herself. Chuckling softly.

Something else on the desk catches her eye. It was several small framed photos. She reached out for one and wiping away the dust on the glass revealed a family photo.

Catalina immediately recognized herself as the little toddler in the photo. Bearing a wide and happy grin at the camera with Pancho clutched in her arms as she sat on her father's lap. She recognized her older siblings as well. Juan and Juana sitting next to each other and the twins, Maria and Marion, sitting on their mother's lap. Their oldest sister, Isabella, sat between their parents. Happy smiles all on their faces. 

Those were the days.

She looked towards the other framed photos and wiped the dust off each one. Her father kept framed photos of her, her older siblings, and his wedding portrait with their mother. She noticed that the wedding photo had the most elaborate frame out of all the photos. The frame seemed to be made of real gold. Worthy of such a powerful couple at the time.

"I never knew you personally, papá. I only had the memories of you in my early childhood as well as Bella's stories about you. I wished I knew more," Catalina said. Staring at her father in the wedding photo. 

She grabbed all of the framed photos and put them in her bag. She also grabs an expensive-looking pen from one of the drawers that bore her father's signature on the cap. Making sure they're secured in her bag before sling it over her shoulder. She heads to the door of the office to leave but before she exits, she looks back and says, "Adios, padre. Te querio." She exited the office and closed the door behind her.

.

"So what took you so long in there, Lina?" Anna asked as she sat in the truck's passenger seat. Right next to Kat, who was driving.

"I went to my father's old office," Catalina answered as she sat next to Jane.

"Found anything useful?" Cathy asked as she read through the other papers that they had found. Making mental notes that she'll transfer to her notepad once they arrive home.

"Well…I found some old photos of me and my family plus his favorite pen."

"I'm sure your siblings would love to see those, darling. Especially Bella," Jane said. Smiling at her girlfriend and placing a hand on her knee. Catalina smiled gratefully at her.

"It's strange, really," Anne said. "We all grew up in a dying world, trying to revive it without even knowing what it used to be before the End.

"Yeah. We're making all this effort and yet we didn't grow up in a normal setting like our parents did. We only have their stories as a basis," Kat agreed with her cousin.

"And foggy memories," Catalina added.

Anne looked over to their team leader and a question popped up in her mind.

"What was your family's story, Lina? Before the End," she asked. Voicing the question.

"Me? Well for starters, I remember my family being rich. Like living in a large mansion and such. Both my parents run their own successful and well known companies. In fact, I remember that my parents were about to head to work when the End happened," Catalina recalled. Still remembering that very day like it was yesterday. She even remembered her breakfast that she had that morning. Fried egg sandwich with mayonnaise, cheese and the bread toasted perfectly. Pairing it up with a cold glass of her favorite mango juice. 

A fitting last supper for a child her age at the time.

"Same thing with my parents. They came from rich families in Germany though I was told that they were disowned when they had my sister, Sibylle," Anna contributed.

"I remember your parents telling my madre that they were just about to finish university when the End happened," Catalina added.

"I was told that my family was mildly rich back in France. Like not millionaires per se but we can afford a couple of fancy cars, private schools and things like that," Anne said. She still remembered France a bit but not that much. All she knew was that she was quite fluent in the language despite not remembering living there as much.

"My mum wouldn't say anything about our family so I don't even know who my dad was or if I had older siblings or not. I just know that she was, and is, a midwife," Kat said. She remembers her mother would have this sad look on her face whenever Kat would ask about her father or possible siblings. She decided to drop it after Joyce had snapped at her to stop asking about it.

"I recall my madre finding your mum at a petrol station convenience store while we were on the road to escape the herd," Catalina commented.

"Oh yeah. She told me about that one plus the dog bite that was mistaken as an Infected bite incident." 

"I was told my family was like upper middle class. My dad used to be a police chief in London and my mum recently graduated with a nursing degree before the End," Cathy said. Not really remembering about London much since she was just a baby and she and her parents had already gone to Spain for a vacation when the End happened.

"Liz only told me what she remembered about our family home. Not much about our family in general. I knew I had many siblings and that we used to live on a ranch with horses and such. Though she often tells me stories about the man that took us in at the peak of the End," Jane said. She vaguely remembers Gonzalo but she knew him enough from the stories Liz tells about him as she was growing up.

"You mean my godfather?" Catalina asked.

"Yes. I think his name was Gonzalo, right?"

She smiled and nodded. She doesn't remember her padrino quite well but her older sibling's stories about him makes her think that he was truly a kind man who was harshly taken away from this world.

"I've heard about the story of your uncle, Lina. The first leader of Camp Zaragoza. Was he really a murderous psychopath?" Anna asked.

"He was my half uncle. And yes. Bella told me all about what he did to my family. Especially my madre," Catalina said.

"Eesh. Thank god my family came later long after he died," Anne said.

"Thank god we were too young to know and experience his tyranny," Cathy added.

Catalina was silent for a moment. Then she said, "he killed my grandmother, my grandfather, my godfather, and tortured my mother and sister." 

"Oh…sorry," Cathy quickly apologized.

Catalina shook her head. "No. It's okay. It was all in the past. Though I still remember my mother having really bad nightmares after. She would come to my room and lay next to me and would cry herself to sleep," she said.

"Oh my god…," Kat muttered.

"I'm so sorry, Lina," Jane said.

"Sometimes I wish I could have done something back then to make her feel better…" 

"Well, if it helps, you found the formula that could make the world better again," Anne said.

Catalina looked at her and nodded gratefully.

"Yeah." 

.

The group arrived back at the main camp and the gates opened to let them in.

"Glad you all came back safe," Sibylle said as she approached her sister and her group. She and Anna shared a hug and gave each other pats on the back.

"You bet we did. Not much Infected roaming around these days anyways," Anna said. 

"And just in time for mutter's birthday too," Sibylle said.

"Oh that's right! Kätzchen, let's stop by your mum's place first before going to mutter, ja?" Kat smiled at her girlfriend and nodded. "Sure!" she said.

"I'm going to Bella's office to deliver the goods. Cariño, can you do me a favor and look for my other siblings? Tell them to go to Bella's office once you find them, Catalina said.

Jane smiled. "Of course, darling. I'll be sure to do that before I pick up Eddie," she said.

The leader of the group smiled gratefully then left for her oldest sister's office.

.

"Welcome back. How was your expedition?" Isabella asked as her youngest sister entered her office.

"See for yourself," Catalina said and placed the folders on the desk in front of her eldest sister.

Isabella and her wife, Liz, looked through the papers. Then the two shared shocked expressions when they realized that what they were holding was the bible of the very vaccine they've been looking for.

"Oh my god…this is actually the formula!" Liz exclaimed.

"It's probably outdated by now but it's enough of a basis to use to create our own stronger vaccine!" Isabella said.

"Great job, Catalina! I'll bring this to the lab immediately!" Liz said. Gathering the papers and hurrying out.

Isabella smiled at her sister and hugged her. "This is a great start to making things right again! Muchas gracias, Catalina," she said. Catalina smiled and hugged her back then pulled away. "I actually found something else there too," she said. Grabbing her bag and rummaging through it.

"What else have you found?" her sister asked.

The youngest of the Trastámara children laid out the framed photos one by one on her sister's desk. Isabella looked at them. Her tears welling up with each photo she sees. She started to sob quietly when her eyes laid upon their parents' wedding photo.

"I found these in the papá's office. It was still the same as I remember it. Only a bit dusty," she said.

Isabella picked up their framed family photo and looked at it. Smiling sadly at the happy faces of her family.

"I miss those days. Those days where all I worried about was what university I should attend after graduation. I often wished I went to Madrid University like mamá and papá did," she lamented. 

"You never told me. What really happened to papá," Catalina said. Looking at Isabella.

The older of the two wiped her tears away and looked down. She carefully placed the framed photo of their parents on her desk. Moving it next to hers and Liz's own wedding photo.

"Papá was bitten by an Infected. He had died and came back as an Infected and attacked mamá. Mamá had no choice but to shoot him," she recounted. Still slightly bitter at her mother for keeping this fact a secret.

"And mamá hid that fact for a long time?" Catalina asked.

Isabella nodded. "She did. I was mad at her for lying to me but…later on I realized she did it to keep us together to survive. Lord knows what would have happened if she had told me that she shot papá. I would have left with you all in my car and…probably not survive that long," she said.

"The herd would have mostly gotten to us." 

Isabella nodded. "It was mamá plans that got us through those hellish and dangerous months when the herd reached Campamento Zaragoza," she said. 

She remembered it as if it was only yesterday. They had finished the fortifications of the walls and secured every inch of the territory. The herd had arrived some days after they had finished and everyone lived in fear for several months. No one could go out to scavenge. They were all trapped inside behind tall walls and had to rely heavily on their existing resources. They even considered opening fire on the herd but wasting ammo was not a viable option. Isabella had to do her best in keeping everyone calm during those months and wisely ration their resources. Thankfully, their crops survived through the months. The herd itself died out slowly as the Infected rotted away until there were only bones left. The strong stench of rot caused a lot of people to be sick and the leadership council needed to have oxygen masks made for the people. Especially those vulnerable.

"What I hated during those months was the stench. I probably threw up every day during that time and got sick often," Catalina said. A look of disgust on her face as she remembered the memory of her youth during those times.

"Well hey at least you got through it," Isabella pointed out.

"Yeah but I probably lost my sense of smell for a long while after." 

Isabella chuckled. She reached up to ruffle her sister's hair but Catalina nimbly ducked away and stuck her tongue out at her.

"You're so childish, Catalina," she said. Grabbing her by the shoulders and rubbing her knuckles against her head.

"Ah! Bella no!" The youngest cried. Struggling to get out of her sister's grip.

Isabella laughs and finally releases her. Catalina pouted as she fixed her hair. "And you say I'm childish," she retorts.

"We all are in a way. It's nice to act childish once in awhile," the older of the two said. Catalina smiled and nodded in agreement.

A knock on the door broke the brief silence the sisters shared. 

"Come in." Isabella called. Going behind the desk and sitting down. Business as usual. The doors opened and Juan peeked in. "You called for us, Bella?" their brother asked. Entering the office with the rest of their siblings behind him. Isabella frowns in confusion.

"No I didn't," she said.

"Actually, I did. I had Jane call you and the others up here," Catalina said. Her older siblings looked at her in surprise.

"What for, Lina?" Maria asked. Standing next to her twin.

"I wanted to show you what I found in papá's office," she said.

This immediately got their attention and they crowded around the table. Looking at the photos of their family.

"Oh my god…I never thought we'd see these again," Marion said as they looked at the framed family photo. It was the last one they took before the End happened.

"And papá kept all of these in his office…," Juana whispered. Tracing the features of her younger self.

"Wow…I…I'm starting to get emotional…," Juan said. His voice cracked a bit.

"It was quite emotional for me too. Being in his office earlier. It was still the same as I remembered it. Like he never left," Catalina said.

The siblings had an emotional moment together. Huddled in a large group hug and reminiscing the years of innocence that were harshly taken away from them when the End occurred. 

"I love you guys. I couldn't imagine a life without any of you. Even though you guys drive me up the wall sometimes," Isabella said. Earning her a laugh from her younger siblings.

"You'd probably be a spoiled only child without us," Marion quipped.

"Yeah but I ended up spoiling you guys instead," his oldest sister said.

"Such is the life of the oldest child," Maria remarked.

"Here here!" Juan said. The siblings shared another laugh.

The six of them stayed in Isabella's office for awhile. Just talking and reminiscing the past years they've had together.

"Mamá really did everything to give us the life she would have wanted. Even at her expense," Marion said. Their siblings nodded in agreement.

"We wouldn't have made it this far without her," Juana said.

"Yeah," Maria said.

"Speaking of mamá, I should get going. I haven't seen my children yet since I came back here after arriving back," Catalina said. Grabbing her bag and packing the framed photos in it.

"You're going to the farmhouse after?" Juan asked.

"Yep. I'm taking a well deserved vacation after the expedition," the youngest said. Slinging her backpack over her shoulder.

"Alright then. I'll just communicate the reports to Anne," Isabella said.

"Thanks Bella. I'll see you all in a week."

"See ya!"

.

Catalina arrived at the day care and got out of her truck. She was about to head inside when someone called out to her.

"Catalina!" 

She turns and smiles when she sees Joyce heading towards her. 

"Hola, señora," she greets. "Looking for Kitty?"

"Oh I already met up with Katherine earlier. She and Anna are currently headed to the hospital to surprise Mari," Joyce said.

"Oh that's right! Today's her birthday, right?" 

Joyce smiled and nodded. "I think they'll be holding a party later. Anyways, I wanted to ask you a favor and it's okay if you refuse," she said.

"We'll see then. Fire away," Catalina said.

"Do you still remember the petrol station where your mother found me?" Joyce asked.

"Somewhat. I think we pass by that particular station a few times during our expeditions. Why?" Catalina asked.

"Well on your next expedition, I was wondering if you could stop by the museum near that petrol station and take Katherine there. That's where I…I lost my family," she sadly explained.

"Oh. I see. Well, I'll be sure to make a short pitstop there for Kitty." Joyce smiled gratefully. 

"Thank you, Catalina. Katherine's been asking about my family for years and I feel bad for keeping it away from her. She deserves to know. Hopefully their belongings are still there." 

Catalina nodded in understanding. Kitty has told the group many times how she'd want to know about her own family but her mother was still grieving them after all these years.

"I'm heading off to Girona later. I'll stop by and check if I find myself down that path," Catalina reassured.

"Thank you again. I'll see you around, Catalina," Joyce said.

"De nada, señora."

Joyce gave her a small hug before heading off on her way again. Catalina watched her go with a sympathetic smile. From what Isabella had told her, Joyce was the only survivor of her family when they found her. So it was understandable why she's still grieving and refused to tell Kitty anything about them.

She made a mental note to herself to stop by that particular petrol station sometime.

"Mama!" 

As soon as she comes in, she grins and opens her arms to catch her children as they tackle her in a group hug. Ten year old Hal, seven year old Mary, and four year old Lillia all laughed happily as they piled on their mother.

"You're back!" Mary said.

"Yes I am! I just got back earlier. Have you three been good while I was gone?" their mother asked.

"Sí! We missed you though," Hal said.

"Miss you so much!" Lillia added.

"Oh I missed you too, mi niños!" Catalina said. Pulling her children closer. Then she looked at the three of them with a small frown.

"Did your father come and visit you while I was gone?" she asked.

As she expected, all three of her little ones shook their heads with sad faces. Their father was notorious in making empty promises after all.

"Of course he didn't. He's probably with his latest side fling of the week," Catalina mumbled.

"Welcome back, Lina! Glad you guys made it safe," Kath said. Walking over to them with a smile on her face. Catalina smiled back as she stood up.

"Hola, Kath. Thank you for looking after my little rascals here," she said. 

"No problem! They behaved as usual so it was no trouble at all," Kath said.

"Did your brother visit them at least once?" Kath shook her head.

"Nope. He didn't even visit Elizabeth and Edward. But what did you expect from my useless brother?" 

"Nothing. There was nothing to expect from him. Though it's probably for the best that their father isn't in their lives to influence them. Well we better get going. Thank you again, Kath!" 

Kath smiled and nodded. Catalina took her children out of the nursery and got them in her truck.

"Can we go to the farm today, mama?" Mary asked. 

"Yeah! We go swimming!" Lillia said.

"We are going there, niños. We'll be staying there for a week," Catalina said. Getting in the driver's seat.

"Yay!" the three cheered. They loved going to the farm. Especially when it was close to the beach and they could all go swimming, fishing and go dig in the sand to hunt for crabs for dinner.

"Let's stop by the house first to pack up," their mother said and drove off to their humble home.

To her surprise, Jane was already there when they arrived and had already packed their things for them. 

"Cariño? When did you get here?" Catalina asked. Urging her children to their rooms to get their bags. The blonde smiled at her and said, "I heard you're going to stay in Girona for a week so I thought I'd pack your bags in advance and house sit for you while you're gone." 

Catalina chuckled and gave her a swift kiss. "You somehow always know things in advance," she commented.

"It's a talent," Jane said. Cuddling close to her girlfriend.

The couple stood in silence for awhile, just holding each other close. Catalina broke the silence first.

"Jane."

"Hm?"

"What do you think about moving in together?" 

Jane looked up at Catalina with a happy grin. "I would love to move in with you!" she happily said.

Catalina grins back and the two share a loving kiss. "The move will be easy since the children already get along quite well. Why don't you and Eddie move in completely once we get back from Girona?" 

The blonde nodded. "I would love that!" she said. The Spanish woman smiled again and gave her another kiss. 

Things really are starting to turn out for the better.

.

Catalina parked her truck in front of the old farmhouse and got out. She helped her little ones down from the vehicle and they walked up to the front door. She unlocked it with her key and went in. Hal, Mary, and Lillia immediately rush upstairs to get to their rooms and unpack.

Meanwhile, their mother went to the living room and towards the homemade altar. She pulls out the framed photos from her bag and carefully places them there.

"I didn't hear you come in." 

Catalina smiled. "I didn't want to wake you and I'd thought I'd surprise you," she said. Turning around to face her mother.

Isabel smiled as she hobbled over her youngest. Leaning heavily on her husband's old cane. The left sleeve of her shirt was dangling about with each step. Catalina went over to her mother and hugged her.

"The little ones woke me with their excited chatter, but you still managed to surprise me. How was the expedition?" she asked. Pulling away and turning towards the altar. Her eyes widened at the sight of the framed photos. She let go of the cane in favor of reaching out to one of the photos, her wedding photo, and taking it in her hand.

"H-How did you…?" 

"We found the formula for the vaccine but I also found these in papá's old office. It was untouched all these years," Catalina said. Going around and picking up the dropped cane.

"Oh Fernando. Mi amor. You were always the sentimental one out of the both of us," Isabel muttered as her thumb gently traced over her late husband's features on the photo.

"I can take you there sometime. See his office and all," Catalina offered.

Her mother shook her head. "The past has passed. I buried your padre a long time ago in our old home. It wasn't a proper grave per se but he would've wanted it if there were no other available options," she said. Gently setting the photo down.

"Mamá…the others and I are planning on traveling home next month and we'd like you to come with us," Catalina said.

Isabel looked at her daughter in confusion. "Traveling home?" she asked. Her youngest daughter nodded in confirmation.

"S��. Back home to the mansion. Pick up some old things we left there for sentimentality. Maybe even pay our respects to padre."

Isabel thought for a moment. Going back home after all these years sounded great but she's not sure if she's ready to go back yet.

"I'm not so sure, mija. It's been some decades since we left the mansion," she said.

"I know but it'll be nice if you'd come with us."

"I'll…I'll think about it, mija. I'll be sure to give my decision when the time is right."

Catalina gave her mother a small smile before handing her the old cane back. Isabel quietly thanked her. Taking the cane and leaning against it for support.

"Let's go sit and talk. I haven't seen you in weeks," she said. Hobbling over to the couch. Catalina followed right behind. 

Isabel carefully lowered herself to sit on the couch with a slight groan. Her daughter went to help her but she waved her off and sat down heavily with a sigh.

"You're having trouble sitting again. Maybe you should go to the camp to get your back checked," Catalina suggested. Sitting next to her mother.

Isabel shook her head. "No. I don't want to," she said. 

"But why? The doctors can help you."

"Ever since I got bit by an Infected years ago, a bit of the virus is still in me. Even after I had to cut a part of my arm off entirely. There's no cure for me, Catalina. I just have to live with it."

Catalina couldn't help but look at the stump of an arm her mother has. She could still recall that very day. Her mother had stumbled back in camp with her entire forearm cut off. She was pale, bleeding heavily, and a bit of bone was sticking out through the open wound. The hasty patchwork she did on the stump is probably what saved her just in time. She got to drive back long enough before she could pass out from blood loss and got her severe injury treated just in time.

"What was it like? Cutting your own arm off?" Catalina asked. She's been curious since the incident but didn't have the courage to ask.

Isabel lets out a chuckle. "Why? Planning on cutting a certain body part of yours in case of an Infected bite?" she joked. Her daughter chuckled as well.

"Maybe when I'm desperate enough. Right now, I'm just curious. What was going through your head that time? What made you do it in the end?" Catalina asked. Isabel grew serious and looked down at arm. Glaring at it. 

"Mamá?"

"I thought of you."

Catalina was surprised at the answer. "Me?" she asked. Pointing at herself. Her mother nodded in affirmation. 

"Yes you. You and your siblings are what made me do it," Isabel said. "I realized that Bella couldn't take care of you all by herself if I was gone. Plus, I knew they would make her my replacement when she wasn't even ready yet. It was hard enough without your papá but without me…she, as well as the rest of you, wouldn't be able to have the life you have now." 

Catalina nodded. It does make sense. Even though Isabella was eighteen at the time, she's still somewhat of a child herself. Needing guidance to get through adult life. So sacrificing a part of an arm was a small sacrifice in order for Isabel to live and be the guide her daughter needed. The youngest Trastámara was snapped out of her thoughts when her mother suddenly chuckled again.

"Care to share what made you giggle like a niña?" Catalina asked. Playfully raising an eyebrow at her mother. 

"I just realized that cutting my own arm at a church altar made it look like I was offering a blood sacrifice to the Lord. Though in a way, it is somewhat like that. I was praying for God to save me and have mercy on me while screaming in pain," she casually said. 

Catalina looked at her mother with a horrified expression. The mental image of her mother severing her own arm off made her a bit disturbed and nauseous. "Lo siento, mija. I didn't think that the image would be disturbing to you," Isabel apologized after noticing her daughter going a bit pale.

"Mamá…why? Why not try another way?" her daughter asked.

"I was scared and desperate. I was alone with an Infected bite on my arm and a blade. I wanted to live and, by God's will, I will live. For the sake of the only family that I have left," Isabel said. She pulled the old blade out from the cane. She could still see the part that she used to cut off her arm. The sharp edge chipped when she got to the bone of her forearm. Catalina placed her hand over her mother's and gently pushed the blade back in the cane. Isabel sighs and sits back on the couch. The youngest child looked at her in worry.

"Can I tell you a secret?" she asked. Catalina paused for a second before nodding. "Go ahead."

"Promise me you won't tell any of your siblings. Especially your hermana."

"Okay."

Isabel closed her eyes briefly, took a deep breath to gather her courage and faced her youngest fully. 

"I've been feeling bouts of severe pain in my arm since the bite and had some sort of addiction to painkillers," she said. Placing a gentle hand on her amputated arm. Catalina looked at her in shock.

"Mamá! Why didn't you–" she exclaimed.

Isabel held up a hand to cut her off from saying more. "I didn't want you all to worry. So I kept it to myself and smuggled small doses of painkillers from the medical inventory during weekly counting to bear with the pain and show that I was fine," she explained.

"But mamá, keeping such a large secret from me? From the others? We could have helped you!" Catalina said.

"That's the problem. You couldn't," Isabel said. Her daughter looked at her in shock. "Not even I couldn't help myself. I tried other methods. Trust me, I did but the pain was unbearable and pills were the only temporary solution. I didn't want you all wasting your time worrying over something you can't fix instead of focusing on your own lives. So I decided to keep it all to myself and let my children live their lives with no worries or distractions. Especially from their madre."

Catalina had tears streaming down her face. Her mother had been feeling excruciating pain for years and she couldn't do anything about it. She felt somewhat betrayed. Isabel smiled reassuringly and wiped the tears with her thumb before pulling Catalina close to kiss her forehead. 

"I'm happy I kept it from you. I didn't want you all to worry about me. Especially when you were still growing into people you wanted to be," she said. Pausing a bit to collect herself as she was fighting back her own tears. After a few deep breaths, she continues, "I never really had a childhood. My mamãe, your avó, had early onset dementia and I had to take care of her when your abuelo Chacón wasn't present. At the same time, I was studying and taking care of my younger brother as well since he was still a child and mamãe couldn't really take care of him. I didn't want you all to go through that. You deserve better." 

"Mamá, we could've found a way to help you! Don't you trust us?" Catalina asked. Sobbing once more. It truly hurt her to learn that her mother was suffering for their sake. Isabel smiles at her daughter again.

"I do. I trust you all but there's just some things that a mother has to keep in the dark to protect her children. While I had no regrets in taking care of your avó, I still longed for the childhood I never had," she said.

Catalina couldn't take it anymore. She pulls her mother in her arms and hugs her tightly. Isabel wrapped her one good arm around her daughter and gently rubbed circles in her back to comfort her while Catalina cried on her shoulder. 

The mother and daughter stayed like that for a good while. Only pulling away after Catalina had run out of tears to cry. She wiped away the tears as she recomposed herself while her mother sat back against the back of the old couch.

"I would like to be buried at home. Next to your padre," Isabel suddenly said. A longing smile on her face.

Catalina looked at her mother in confusion. "You're saying that as if you're dying," she said lightheartedly. Laughing a little in hopes that her mother was just joking.

Unfortunately for her, Isabel didn't laugh but the smile remained. 

"I am." 

"Mamá don't say that. I get that you're old but you're–" 

"I'm dying, Catalina. I went to Campamento Zaragoza last week to get my daily check up and the results weren't good this time around. The doctor said that the virus from the Infected bite had mutated into cancer and I have about a year left to live if I'm lucky enough."

Catalina looked shocked at this. Her mother was dying and she only had a year of her life left. 

"Mamá, there's still time. We can have you treated. We got the formula for the vaccine. We can cure it!" she desperately rambled on.

Isabel simply shook her head. 

"No. I don't want any treatment. I am old and I'm tired. I want to live out my last remaining days with my family and not be stuck in a hospital bed. Please understand my wishes, mija. Now that you and your siblings have your own lives with your own families, I can finally stop trying to survive and just rest with your padre," she said. 

Catalina felt hopeless. Her mother was dying and she couldn't do anything about it. "What do you want me to do? What do you want us to do?" she asked.

"Mija, don't stress yourself too much. I'll tell you and your siblings what I want you to do in due time. Let's just focus on right now. Okay?" 

Catalina furiously wiped away the stray tears and nodded. "Okay." Isabel smiled at her daughter and kissed her forehead once more. They can worry about the future later, right now is what's important for the both of them.

"Gracias, Catalina. Now, tell me all about your expedition." 

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[ladiesoftheages]

Queen consorts of England and Britain | [39/50] | Katherine Parr

Katherine was Queen consort of England and Ireland from 1543 until 1547 as the sixth wife of Henry VIII. She was born around 1512 as the daughter of Thomas Parr and Maud Green. Katherine’s education consisted mostly of what was typical for her standing, however, she had a love for languages and became fluent in French, Latin, and Italian. In 1529, at the age of seventeen, Katherine married Sir Edward Burgh. However, just four years later, Edward died leaving Katherine a widow at 21. A year later, Katherine married John Neville, Baron Latiner who was 19 years her senior. During the King’s Great Matter, Latimer was opposed to the reformation and the break with Rome. In October 1536, Catholic rebels demanded that Latimer join their cause. He was dragged away, leaving Katherine alone with her step-children and in fear for her life. A year later, during the Pilgramage of Grace, Katherine and her step-children were held hostage and their lives were threatened. It’s speculated that this whole ordeal drove her to hate Catholicism and become an ardent reformer. After the rebellion was put down, no charges were laid against Latimer, but his reputation never recovered. In March 1543, Katherine’s husband died, leaving her a widow for the second time. In his will, he left her as the guardian of his young daughter. After the death of her second husband, Katherine met and fell in love with Thomas Seymour, however she also caught the King’s eye and accepted his proposal instead. Katherine and King Henry married on 12 July 1543. After becoming Queen, Katherine made her former step-daughter one of her ladies-in-waiting and was also partially responsible for reconciling Henry with his two daughters and having them restored to the succession. In 1544, Henry went on campaign to France leaving Katherine as regent in his absence. Before and after becoming Queen, Katherine published a few works. In 1546, Katherine was almost arrested for her religious views but she managed to talk Henry out of it and nothing ever came of it in the end. On 28 January 1547, Henry died making Katherine Queen dowager. Not long after, Katherine’s old love, Thomas Seymour, proposed again and she accepted. The two were married in secret just a few months after Henry’s death. When their marriage became public knowledge, it caused a scandal and King Edward was not pleased. The marriage also caused Katherine to fall out with her former step-daughter, Mary, whom she’d previously been good friends with. On the other hand, her other former step-daughter, Elizabeth, came to live with her. I’m 1548, Katherine became pregnant for the first time. During her pregnancy, Thomas began a non-consensual affair with Elizabeth. Katherine’s knowledge and participation in this affair is disputed. On 30 August 1548, Katherine gave birth to her only child, a daughter named Mary, however Katherine died just a few days later on 5 September. Her funeral was held two days later and was the first Protestant funeral in England.

[minervacasterly]

5 September 1548: The Death of an Evangelical Royal Consort & Influential Protestant Writer & Defender of her Faith

Six days after Queen Dowager and Baroness of Sudeley had given birth to a daughter she named Mary (after her stepdaughter, the Lady Mary Tudor) Catherine Parr died of puerperal fever. Little before her death, while in a state of delirium she claimed: "Those that are about me care not for me". Her husband, Thomas Seymour, was by her side comforting her the entire time. Jane Grey and other ladies were also with her, reading her the scriptures.

Historian Amy Licence theorizes she could have been infected after the birth by the midwives' unclean hands which would have made possible the passage of bacteria to her body. (The lack of hygiene during childbirth was not uncommon. If she had lived through the same ordeal now she would have been treated right away and saved but as it was, the only medicine then was based on plants and folklore beliefs that Catherine, given her extensive knowledge of the former would have known very well. It is not known if he midwives or she used any of these methods. In any case it was too late, the fever spread rapidly and claimed her on the morning of September fifth).

Her husband was grief-stricken, unable to believe that she was gone that he later said: "I was so amazed that I had small regard to either myself or to my doings".

Catherine was buried days later with full pomp and ceremony, with Jane Grey acting as her chief mourner, walking behind her coffin with Lady Elizabeth Tilney carrying the long train. Catherine Parr was the first Royal and only Queen of Henry VIII's, to have a Protestant Funeral. Miles Coverdale headed the funeral which was in English and concluded it with this eulogy:

"A beautous daughter blessed her arms,

An infant copy of her parents' charms.

When now seven days this tender flower had bloomed

Heaven in its wrath the mother's soul resumed

Our loyal breast with rising sighs are torn,

With saints she triumphs, we with mortals mourn."

Her husband Thomas Seymour, Baron Sudeley and daughter, Mary Seymour, did not survive her for long. Sudeley was arrested at his house while entertaining a guest, and sent to Tower under charges of treason. He was found guilty and beheaded on March 20 1549. Afterwards, their daughter was given over to Catherine Brandon nee Willoughby, Duchess Dowager of Suffolk in whose care she probably died as she disappears from the records a year after.

Despite leaving everything to her husband, the Protectorate took her wealth and this made Sudeley angry, and he ended up conspiring with the Marquises of Dorset (Henry Grey) and Northampton (William Parr -Catherine's brother), against his brother. The Duchess Dowager of Suffolk begged the Council many times to help her with her charge's finances but they never took her pleas seriously until 1550 when Catherine Parr's wealth was given back to her daughter, but by then she was probably sick or dying because she is never mentioned again.

Catherine Parr has gone down in fiction and popular media as nothing more than Henry's nurse and staunch Reformer but she was so much more than that. She and Mary I's mother were the only two of Henry's wives who served as Regents during his absence, and they were two of the most learned women in England who caused great impact on their respective faiths and both were known for being kind and generous. Eustace Chapuys before he left England on the summer 1545, commented that out of all of Henry's Queens, with the exception of Katherine of Aragon, Catherine Parr was the only one who was worthy of her position. She was a good friend with Mary I, who was encouraged by her to translate one of the gospels of the New Testament and who followed her wherever she went.

Sources:

Katherine Parr by Linda Porter

Sister Who Would Be Queen by Leanda de Lisle

In Bed With The Tudors by Amy Licence.

[tudorqueen6]

Family of Queen Katherine: THE FUNERAL of William Herbert, 1st Earl of Pembroke

Old St. Paul’s before 1561. (Benham) 18 APRIL 1570: THE FUNERAL of Sir William Herbert, 1st Earl of Pembroke took place at Old St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. Pembroke had been the husband of Lady Anne (Parr), sister of the late Queen Katherine and the Marquess of Northampton. Lord Pembroke died on 17 March 1570 at Hampton Court Palace. William was eldest son of Sir Richard Herbert of Ewyas,…

[bitchme-2]

I posted 828 times in 2021

409 posts created (49%)

419 posts reblogged (51%)

For every post I created, I reblogged 1.0 posts.

I added 2,047 tags in 2021

#six the musical - 396 posts

#six - 302 posts

#incorrect six quotes - 295 posts

#anne boleyn - 173 posts

#anna of cleves - 165 posts

#catherine of aragon - 157 posts

#katherine howard - 154 posts

#anne of cleves - 151 posts

#catherine parr - 135 posts

#jane seymour - 119 posts

Longest Tag: 65 characters

#have i tricked y’all into thinking i’m cooler than i actually am?

My Top Posts in 2021

#5

Fantasy Queens

See the full post

101 notes • Posted 2021-01-19 18:31:48 GMT

#4

Anne: Hey KitKat, I think our lunches got mixed up.

Anne: (pulls out a note ‘have a nice day’)

Kat: Ah yes, I suspected this wasn’t for me.

Kat: (pulls out a note ‘please, for the love of god, behave’)

103 notes • Posted 2021-01-28 19:52:42 GMT

#3

Songs from Six that should absolutely be on the album

Megasix

Wearing Yellow To A Funeral

Anne Boleyn Intro

Cathy Parr fake out song and/or the original Fight Scene music with the screaming

106 notes • Posted 2021-05-11 21:34:04 GMT

#2

Stranger: You two are very cute together.

Kat: We’re not a couple. Definitely not a couple.

Anne: Wow, you seem pretty offended by that. What, am I not good enough for you?

Kat: We are not having this conversation again. You’re married. We’re cousins.

128 notes • Posted 2021-03-08 19:50:25 GMT

#1

Opposite yet similar energies

359 notes • Posted 2021-02-09 19:41:15 GMT

Get your Tumblr 2021 Year in Review →

[katharinepar]

the whole nine yards of henry viii’s embalmment and burial being just completely awful and mostly irreverent and the fact that katherine parr was watching on from catherine of aragon’s oriel window during his funeral is just .... so symbolically tasteful, meaty, juicy if you will ... his whole fugly reign coming full circle and then his damn body explodes. god DOES have a sense of humor and made sure henry knew his existence was a joke

[the-quiet-winds]

The Gravity of Tempered Grace (part one)

[Hello friends. Welcome to the new multi-chap I’ve been working on for way too long. It’s got some angst to it, as well as very blunt discussions of death because, you know, our women have been dead before. So yeah. Enjoy.]

[Also, this is technically Six US verse.]

[Part 1: Tell Me Something, Girl, Are You Happy in This Modern World?]

The Life and Times of Jane the Queen, Chapter 16 - The Death of the Queen

“Jane Seymour died around midnight on October 24th, 1537 after two weeks of battling a raging infection following the birth of her son, Crown Prince Edward VI. The infection was dubbed “childbed fever,” which Henry’s own mother had died of, but modern historians believe that Jane’s death was either due to a retained placenta or a pulmonary embolism. She was buried on November 12th at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, and was the only of Henry’s six wives to receive a queen’s funeral, despite her never formally being crowned. Jane’s stepdaughter Mary, daughter of Henry’s first wife Catherine of Aragon, was the chief mourner. An additional 29 mourners followed Mary, one for each year of Jane’s life. After his own death, Henry was buried next to Jane.

As was commonplace for the time, all of her entrails were removed prior to the burial, although it has long been debated what happened to them. It’s rumored that her heart was buried separately under the alter at Chapel Royal in Hampton Court Palace at Henry’s request, although this claim has never been verified with any amount of certainty.”

It’s been nearly five hundred years since the six wives of Henry VIII died, but, by some wicked yet wonderful twist of fate, they’re all alive again, walking the new Earth and sharing the stories of their lives.

None of them came back exactly the same - Catherine of Aragon is several inches taller and several shades darker, Catherine Parr loves her new hair, Anne Boleyn can frequently be found complaining about her height (or lack-there-of), Katherine Howard has a thing for pink hair, and Anna of Cleves walks with a swagger she didn’t carry in the first life. 

(Well, more swagger.)

But for the most part, no intrinsic or core part of their beings changed.

Except for Jane Seymour.

Jane Seymour, as the other queens were beginning to discover, is something of an enigma.

Out of everyone, Anne Boleyn and Catherine of Aragon are the the first to notice. Both of them had known Jane in the last life, and this version of Jane is a far cry for both of them to swallow.

Aragon had remembered Jane as her docile and obedient, yet kind and caring, lady in waiting. Granted, they hadn’t known each other all that long, but it was enough for Aragon to notice this Jane is definitely not the woman she knew.

Boleyn draws the same conclusion from vastly different information - the Jane she had known was calculating, every step carefully planned to take Henry away from Anne and even end up with her head in a basket in the process.

This Jane has none of it.

She’s cold, yes, but not in a cruel way. Her eyes throw less of a blizzard and more of a frost on a leaf far away. Distant, not-entirely-there.

It’s hard to peg where it’s from. For the other three queens, they just come to assume that’s how Jane Seymour always was and how she always will be. 

As weeks melt past at a blinding pace, the five queens grow close. Jane remains distant, as if her arms just aren’t long enough to reach the other girls. 

Smiles are rare, laughs even rarer. She doesn’t give hugs, doesn’t even talk much. Her mind is business-only, and it seems bound and determined to stay that way.

It bothers Aragon more than she can admit. She can’t get through to Jane the way that she used to - their conversations about dress fabrics and religions they would have in passing were simply gone. Jane barely even tells her what time they have to be at the theater for their show.

She approaches Boleyn about it. Really, she wishes it could have been someone she didn’t have such a rocky past with, but Anne was the only other person who knew Jane in the past life.

“Can I talk to you?”

Anne looks up from her phone. She smirks, disbelieving, and points at her face. “Me?”

“Yes, you,” Aragon says. She rolls her eyes as she closes the door, then situates herself on the end of Anne’s bed. “You knew Seymour in the last life.”

Anne sighs. “Yeah, I did. What of it?”

“Was she… was she like this?”

“No,” Anne says. She laughs. “She was a hell of a lot more annoying.”

“Anne,” Aragon snaps. “There is something different now. She was always kind to me-,” she ignores Anne rolling her eyes, “-and I know she and you have a speckled past but you have to agree, she’s the only one who didn’t come back the same.”

Anne stares at her for a moment, then gives the slightest shrug. “I suppose.” Her face tightens again. “It’s probably just something with the way she came back.” She gives another half-laugh. “Old Janey was never all there.” Anne raps her knuckles lightly against her temple. At Aragon’s harsh glare, she crumbles slightly. “I’m sure she’s fine.”

Aragon reluctantly agrees. “You’re probably right.” She exhales a long, slow breath. “Neither of us really know what she was like after she married Henry. People change and all that.”

“Yeah,” Anne says, uncharacteristically soft. “People change. Jane wasn’t the same person when you knew her and when I knew her. Who knows what marrying Henry did?”

Slightly shameful at waxing such elaborate poetry out of such a frivolous thing, Aragon stands up and sends Anne a small smile before retreating from the room, tugging slightly awkwardly at the cross dangling over her chest.

And that, for lack of a better word, was that. 

Catherine maintains respectful distance after that conversation, but keeps watchful eye over Jane regardless. 

Over the course of three days, she discovers that “Plain Jane” lives up to her nickname. She wakes up at around seven, has a cup of coffee with a splash of cream accompanied by plain oatmeal. (No berries, no syrup. Just oats.)

After breakfast, Jane settles on the couch with a book or some needlepoint and doesn’t move until lunch, which, if she has the means, consists of the same turkey and cheese sandwich with a glass of water and an apple. Her afternoons consist of more needlepoint, reading, or maybe, if she’s feeling particularly daring, a movie with some of the others before they head to the theater for the night.

It’s quite interesting to Catherine, this little experiment, because it just furthers her idea that something just isn’t right, not like the way it used to be. 

She remembers when Jane would join prayers and hymns without being asked, when she was able to anticipate what Catherine needed before Catherine herself even knew.

She remembers when Jane smiled. 

Something must have happened after Catherine and Anne both died. Jane only lived another eighteen months or so after Catherine’s own death, but a lot can happen in eighteen months.

“Jane?”

The woman looks up from her book, and her eyes are hauntingly vacant. Catherine finds herself lost in them- soulless, empty, a catastrophe contained in a flicker of ice-

“Did you need something?”

Catherine’s thoughts are abruptly interrupted by Jane’s voice, calm and flat. 

“Yes, yes I did.” Catherine sits herself down on the couch. “I was wondering if you could tell me about your time as queen.”

Docile and obedient- ‘bound to obey and serve’- Jane sets her book aside and turns more fully to her companion. “Henry spent most of our marriage trying to quell the religious protestors in the north. The Pilgrimage of Grace sought to revert England back to its Catholic roots, so Henry had them killed.” She speaks flatly, as if she weren’t talking about the deaths of thousands of her own citizens. “Once that was over, I had my son. Then I died.”

It’s a finite conclusion, so simple and easy and all but wrapped up in a little bow.

“But when you were married to Henry,” Catherine asks, trying to keep her voice as level as possible, considering that she’s speaking to her husband’s third wife and, as their show and history so fondly reminds her, ‘the only one he truly loved’, “what was he like? What were you like for that matter?”

The only inclination that Jane is confused by the line of questioning is the slightest cock of her head to the left. “He was kind but firm. He ruled with a heavy hand but always assured my needs were cared for. When I was pregnant-” Catherine can’t help but flinch, and she can’t tell if Jane noticed, “-I had such a craving for quail that Henry sent men to gather only the best eggs in all of Europe. But he did threaten me, once,” she adds in the same flat tone she’s spoken in through the whole conversation, “during the Pilgrimage of Grace. He asked if I remembered what happened to the late queen when I pushed a little too far on the topic one day. After that, I didn’t have the courage to bring it up again.”

For all Catherine can tell, this is the cold, hard, brutal truth. Jane’s eyes show no dishonesty- if anything, they’re just empty.

This is all she’s going to get for now, she has a feeling.

---

“Dig it up.”

“Excuse me?”

“This spot right here. I need you to dig it up.”

“Sir, this is five hundred year old architecture, we can’t just dig it up.”

“Do you have any idea who I am? I am Henry Tudor, eighth of his name.”

“Sure, bud. And I’m Queen Elizabeth.”

“How dare you disrespect my daughter’s name? I should have you hanged for such a remark.”

The security guard looks more weirded out than he had before. “Sir, I’m not sure what kind of drugs you’re on, but I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”

“Drugs? You speak of sin!”

“Yeah, this is Dave,” the security guard says into the small radio on his shoulder, “I have some guy in the alter, can you come remove-”

Dave the security guard doesn’t finish his sentence, because he’s knocked out by a firm blow to the head with a shovel.

A shovel being wielded by the once-dead King Henry the Eighth, who has somehow returned to life in the same way as all of his six wives. 

Satisfied that Dave the security guard will no longer be an issue, Henry looks to the alter. His shovel won’t be enough to do what he needs, so he slips out of the building just before a flood of security guards burst into the room.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Author’s note: this is usually where I put the tag list, but it’s been so long that most of the blogs are either gone or don’t seem to be interested in Six anymore. If anyone wants to be on a new tag list that’s cool, or you can just expect the next chapter at the same time tomorrow.]

[definitelyblond]

Viv’s Top Musicals (Theatre)

1. Hadestown - 2019

This musical is gorgeous. A perfect blend of mythology and realism, it brings a completely new interpretation on this myth in the depression-era New Orleans. The diversity of voices and utter heart-wrenching chemistry all the characters show is great. I have this playlist constantly on repeat.

2. Six - 2019

If you like history and banging beats, here ya go. This musical really shows how the six wives of king Henry VIII feel about their legacies using modern language and sick costumes. All the rage of this musical on Tik Tok is well deserved, it’s great.

Edit: lol I also just found out I’m distantly related from Katherine Parr, her brother William is my great grandfather x14 or something.

3. Waitress - 2016

If you like rom-coms with a heart-wrenching and empowering plot, this is the play for you. With a score done by Sara Bareilles (“Love Song”), this musical will make you laugh and cry.

4. Beetlejuice - 2019

This musical is great, with the hilarity of the original 80s movie but with a theatrical twist. You’ll want to know about The Whole Being Dead Thing.

5. The Book of Mormon - 2011

I would not recommend this play for the faint of heart. It’s a satire on religious groups in the US (specifically Mormonism), but it is hilarious. It will make you question yourself morally but cry laughing while you do it. It gets at the root of the problematic cultish behaviour of religion.

6. Wicked - 2003

Iconic! I mean what else is there to say, you need to see this play at least once in your life. It’s catchy and the notes those girls hit are insane. It’s a great take on the villain of a story and makes you rethink the who is really good and evil.

7. In the Heights - 2008

If you like Hamilton and can sit through Lin Manuel-Miranda’s voice, here ya go. It’s a nice little story about immigrants (who get the job done). Plus, the movie is coming out this summer and I’m so excited, Anthony Ramos is gonna play the lead.

8. Anastasia - 2017

A beautiful rendition of the animated classic, the cast has the voices of angels and the characters really shine through. I like how this play is along the backdrop of the beginning of Bolshevism and Soviet Russia.

9. Dear Evan Hansen - 2016

The plot of this play is a little dry, the whole teen angst bit and everything. But the songs, mwah, beautiful. Ben Platt can sing at my funeral, the comedic timing is on point and the incorporation of modern social media in high school life was really interesting to investigate.

10. First Date - 2013

This is quite a short little play, staring Zachery Levi but it perfectly captures the awkwardness and adventures of the dating life for both those who are nerdy and cool. So funny!